HLPF on SDG Business 2030

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is United Nations central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015.

The Forum, which adopts a Ministerial Declaration, is expected to provide political leadership, guidance and recommendations on the 2030 Agenda’s implementation and follow-up; keep track of progress of the SDGs; spur coherent policies informed by evidence, science and country experiences; as well as address new and emerging issues.

On the occasion of the first High Level Political Forum (HLPF) since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the inaugural SDG Business Forum coincided with the high-level ministerial segment. The 2030 Agenda recognized the critical role of business in delivering on the promise of sustainable and inclusive development. Co-hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), and the UN Global Compact in collaboration with the Global Business Alliance (GBA) for 2030, the SDG Business Forum convened leaders from business and government, together with heads of UN agencies, key international organizations, and civil society groups to delve into the role business will play in delivering the 2030 Agenda.

The business case for sustainable development is based on the understanding that business and societal values are inextricably linked. Business efforts to improve lives and strengthen local communities can have long term bottom line benefits. The private sector was invited to share its support for the Agenda. The Business for 2030 session during the SDG Business forum had 17 rapid fire presentations, which highlighted business engagement in the SDGs. Each speaker provided examples on how their business or organization is contributing to one of the SDGs.

There were 400 participants were actively engaged, including respondent Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Social Development, Vanessa Rubio Márquez (pictured).